On the afternoon of August 26, the 2023 National First Division took place in the final round of round 18. The focus was on the two matches: Quang Nam FC vs. Ba Ria-Vung Tau; PVF Cong An Nhan Dan vs. Hoa Binh FC. Before the match, both Quang Nam FC and PVF Cong An Nhan Dan had 34 points. Thanks to a better goal difference, Quang Nam FC only needed to win to officially win the First Division championship.

Quang Nam FC's official lineup for the match against Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Photo: DAI NAM

As expected, Quang Nam FC created an attacking game that was superior to Ba Ria-Vung Tau. In just the first 10 minutes of the match, the home team Tam Ky scored two goals by Van Toan and Dinh Bac. Quang Nam FC played leisurely and scored two more goals by Van Trang and Le Van Nam to seal a 4-0 victory. With 37 points, Quang Nam FC won the championship and returned to the V-League after 3 years. Coach Van Sy Son and his team have less than 2 months to prepare their squad for the 2023-2024 V-League season, scheduled to start on October 20.

Quang Nam FC players celebrate their goal against Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Photo: DAI NAM
Many Quang Nam fans went directly to Tam Ky stadium to cheer for their team. Photo: DAI NAM

The above result made PVF People's Police's 3-2 victory over Hoa Binh FC meaningless. Tied on points with Quang Nam FC but losing on secondary index, PVF People's Police won the runner-up position.

The results of the remaining matches are: Long An FC beat Hue FC 3-1, Binh Thuan beat Phu Tho 3-1, Binh Phuoc beat Phu Dong FC 3-1. With no team being directly relegated, Binh Phuoc FC will have to play a play-off with the runner-up of the Second Division to compete for a ticket to stay in the First Division.

HOAI PHUONG

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